Councillors hold firm with decision to refuse 260-home development on edge of Bideford

The plans would have seen up to 260 homes developed on land off Abbotsham Road. Picture: Google

A decision to refuse a 260-home development on the edge of Bideford has been upheld by councillors.

Plans for the homes off Abbotsham Road were heard by Torridge District Council's plans committee again yesterday (Thursday) as they went against the recommendation of officers in refusing the application on October 4.

The implications report delivered to councillors said while some of the reasons given by members to refuse the plans might be defendable at appeal, two of them would need supporting evidence.

Councillors refused the application by four votes to three on the three areas thought to be defendable at appeal.

It was felt the site's location was too far away from Bideford town centre to be sustainable, being too far away from the town's shops and services.

Councillors also felt the site would have an adverse affect on the character and appearance of the open countryside, and the removal of hedgerow would adversely affect wildlife.

About North Devon Gazette

First published in 1856 as the Bideford Gazette, the North Devon Gazette is the free newspaper and website for the region, covering a vast area from Hartland in the west to Lynton in the east and to South Molton and Holsworthy in the south.